Don Lapre, Infomercial King, Found Dead Of Apparent Suicide

Don Lapre, the self-proclaimed King of the Infomercial, was found dead in his jail cell on Sunday morning. The millionaire high school dropout made a fortune off selling vitamins and guides detailing how to make money from advertising and hard work, but over the past few years, the Food and Drug Administration started investigating. They warned the pitchman several times to avoid making false claims, but earlier this summer, the government indicted Lapre for fraud, conspiracy and a host of other charges.

Prison officials have been very quiet on the details surrounding Lapre’s death, but the word leaking out is suicide. According to TMZ, the inmate apparently cut himself with an unidentified object, leading to massive blood loss. By the time authorities discovered the body, there was no hope, as he’d long since expired.

Prior to Sunday’s unfortunate end, Lapre took to his website to post a long and sentimental message entitled “Never Stop Dreaming”. In light of what happened, many are viewing his words as a preemptive suicide note. Take a look at its contents below…

I tried to create the best product on earth, paid out millions, made very little trying to make it a success, had attorneys review my entire company, paid out millions in refunds, tried to make the commission and products better every single year, and in spite of all that, I have been accused of something I did not do. I did not have the perfect company but neveronce did I allow one thing to be done that would violate any law. Nevertheless, because the majority of people did not make money, in spite of everyone of them being able to make as many $1000 checks as they wanted, I am left to fight a battle that will for sure destroy what energy I have left inside... I hope the pictures below motivate you to take a chance in life and try to do the impossible... It did not work out for me with my vitamins but I believe that being willing to fail is part of having a chance at success.... Never stop dreaming and for all those who sent me testimonials of what you did because of some of my help, I am grateful I made a small difference in your life... DL

Coupled with the 2009 death of pitchman Billy Mays and Vince Offer’s recent arrest, it’s been a hard few years for the most famous men in the infomercial business. Whether that’s a coincidence or a byproduct of a personality trait all the men shared is a question for another time. Right now, Pop Blend’s thoughts go out to Lapre’s family. The King of the Infomercial had a drive to succeed like few other men, and his absence will be felt by those who were closest to him.